ICC new rules for T20 leagues: ILT20, MLC at risk? Explained
The ICC may limit overseas players to four in a T20 franchise league XI, affecting ILT20 and MLC.
The ICC is considering new rules for T20 franchise leagues, including a four-overseas-player limit in a playing XI. Cricket Winner reported that ILT20 and MLC could face major changes if the proposals are approved at the Bali meeting this weekend.
Key takeaways
- ICC franchise leagues review group formed in July this year
- Proposals to be discussed at ICC quarterly meetings in Bali this weekend
- Limit of four overseas players in a playing XI proposed
- ILT20 currently allows up to nine overseas players in a playing XI
- MLC currently allows up to six overseas players in a playing XI
The International Cricket Council is planning new rules for T20 franchise leagues that could affect tournaments around the world. Cricket Winner reported that the proposals cover overseas players, sponsorships and anti-corruption measures, and will be discussed at the ICC meeting in Bali this weekend. NDTV Sports said the changes could affect the UAE's ILT20 and Major League Cricket in the United States.
Explainer: ICC new rules for T20 leagues
The ICC is planning to introduce new rules for T20 franchise leagues, which could bring big changes to tournaments around the world. Cricket Winner said the proposals will be discussed by cricket board heads and chief executives at the ICC meeting in Bali this weekend.
When and where is it?
The ICC franchise leagues review group was formed in July this year. NDTV Sports reported that the recommendations will be discussed at the governing body's quarterly meetings in Bali this weekend.
Who is taking part?
The ICC's franchise leagues review group put forward the recommendations. Cricket Winner said cricket board heads and chief executives will discuss them at the ICC meeting. NDTV Sports named the UAE's ILT20 and Major League Cricket in the United States as competitions that may be affected.
How does it work?
Cricket Winner reported that one of the biggest proposals is to allow only four overseas players in the playing XI of each team. NDTV Sports said the ICC wants to enforce existing overseas player restrictions more strictly. The ICC is also considering more power to check league approvals, restrictions on betting company sponsorships and fees for approving tournaments.
Big blow for ILT20 and MLC?
Why it matters
NDTV Sports said ILT20 and MLC were granted exemptions when the ICC introduced player-capping regulations in 2023. Cricket Winner reported that ILT20 currently permits up to nine overseas players in a playing XI, including at least one player from an Associate Member nation. NDTV Sports said MLC allows up to six overseas players. A reduction to four could force both competitions to rely more heavily on locally developed players.
What happens next?
Cricket Winner said the proposals will be discussed by cricket board heads and chief executives at the ICC meeting in Bali this weekend. NDTV Sports said if approved, the proposals could significantly reshape the global franchise cricket landscape by expanding the ICC's oversight of league operations, player participation, sponsorship and anti-corruption measures.
Overseas player limits in T20 franchise leagues
League | Current overseas players in XI | Proposed limit |
|---|---|---|
ILT20 | Up to nine, including at least one Associate Member player | Four |
MLC | Up to six | Four |
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